‘Khan fight could be just the beginning’

Dubai: Amir Khan’s proposed IBF world welterweight title fight against Devon Alexander in Dubai on December 7 is just the start of boxing’s rise in the emirates, according to Khan’s Emirati training partner Eisa Al Dah.

Richard Schaefer, the CEO of Golden Boy promotions, who manage the former four-time world champion, told the UK’s Daily Mail on Sunday that they had “opened discussions with the ruling family of the Emirates who have made it very clear that they are keen to put on a major boxing event”.

If successful against Alexander, the British-born Pakistani fighter would be set for a big money showdown with Floyd Mayweather next May, provided Mayweather’s September 14 bout with Saul Alvarez goes to plan.

It’s not the first time the UAE has been linked to hosting a major title fight, but given Khan’s strong relations to the region Al Dah insists there’s more credence to this story than most. “If true, it will open doors to more big fights in the UAE,” said Al Dah, who couldn’t confirm Schaefer’s claims, when contacted by Gulf News.

“The government here has always wanted to stage big fights but they have been quoted crazy numbers. This has been the problem for promoters. When fighters think of Dubai, they only think of money and even an average fighter will triple his price.

“But if one promoter can come here and be successful it will give everyone confidence and many will follow.

“It’s my dream for Amir to be the first big fighter in Dubai. He will be of huge value here because of the Pakistani and Muslim community.”

However, Al Dah warned the UAE’s media and marketing industries would need to improve quickly if the fight were to be a success. “The marketing here is different they think it’s a one-day event, but it’s not. In the US and the UK the build-up can last months.

“It’s not enough to just put up a few fliers around town and sell a few tickets. Dubai’s media needs to follow the build-up every day to keep people interested and ready for the fight.”

Al Dah, who trains with Khan when he travels to fight in the UK and US, has previously opened his gym up to Khan when he’s in Dubai. “We spend a lot of time together and often stay with each others families. He’s like a brother to me, he’s a great person and very humble and always gives up his room when I go to stay with him in England.

“The last time he was here with his father, I showed them around the Hamdan Sports Complex and they were very impressed. If the government are involved, the fight will surely be here.”